Trouble connecting Surface to a second screen?

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Applies to: Surface DevicesSurface

Select Product Version

Note

Some products might not be available in your country or region.

Before you begin troubleshooting

In many cases, downloading and installing the latest updates for Windows and your Surface will fix the issue. To find out how, see Install Surface and Windows updates.For another possible solution, unplug your monitor from the power outlet and then plug it back in.

For more information about which video connections your Surface supports, see Surface features.

Setting up your multiple-monitor desktop

Use the table below to help you find what you need to set up a second monitor with your Surface device.

My Surface device

Daisy chain support

External display/audio output port

Surface Pro

Yes

Mini DisplayPort

Surface Studio

Surface Laptop

Surface Book

Surface Book 2

Yes

USB-C

Surface Studio 2

Surface Go

Surface 3

No

Mini DisplayPort

Note

For the USB-C to HDMI adapter, we recommend using the HDMI adapter with a HDMI 2.0 cable or higher.

If you’ve connected your Surface to a second screen and you don’t see video output from your Surface, the problem may be with the source selection or video input settings on the second screen. For example, if you’re using an HDMI connection to a second screen, that screen must be set to recognize HDMI as the video input signal.

To check and, if necessary, change the video input setting on your second screen, follow the instructions in the owner’s manual for the screen or check the manufacturer’s website.

Press the Windows key +P on your keyboard, or select the action center

on the taskbar, and select Project.

If you want to:

Choose:

See things only on your Surface display.

PC screen only

See the same things on both your Surface display and on the TV, monitor, or projector. To learn more about screen resolutions, go to Solution 6.

Duplicate

Move what's on the screen across your Surface display and onto the TV or monitor screen. When you have displays extended, you can drag and move items between the two screens and select a different resolution for your second screen. To learn more about screen resolutions, go to Solution 6.

Extend

See everything on the second screen. The display on your Surface will be blank.

Use a video cable that’s no more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) long. Longer cables can affect video quality. Make sure all the video connections are secure. Check the connection from the USB-C port, Mini DisplayPort on your Surface, or docking station, any video adapter you are using, and the connection on the video port on your TV, monitor, or projector.

Use the cable that came with your monitor or verify that the cable supports video. Always do this with Surface devices with USB-C ports.

If the cable that came with your monitor isn’t responding, use a different video cable to connect your Surface.

If you're using a video extension cable or video converter, remove it from your set up to see if it’s causing the problem.

If you're using a video adapter from another company and you're having trouble, contact the adapter's manufacturer for help.

If your monitor supports DisplayPort, we recommend that you use a Mini DisplayPort-to-DisplayPort cable that’s no more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) long. DisplayPort will allow you to use the highest supported resolution and refresh rate with your Surface. These mini Display Port to DisplayPort cables work with a DisplayPort monitor:

If you are trying to daisy chain multiple monitors, here’s what you’ll need:

Two monitors with DisplayPort 1.2 input ports and at least one DisplayPort output port

Standard DisplayPort cables with at least one Mini DisplayPort end

For Surface devices that do support daisy chaining, here’s how:

Using a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable, connect the Mini DisplayPort on your Surface to the DisplayPort input on the first monitor. If only one of your monitors has an output port, connect your Surface to that monitor first.

Connect the output port of the first monitor to the DisplayPort input port of the other monitor.

Follow the monitor manufacturer’s instructions to set both monitors to use DisplayPort 1.2 as an input source. For example, this might be called Multi-Stream Transport (MST), which allows the first monitor to pass the signal along to the second monitor.

If you’re using an adapter (including the Surface video adapter, USB-C to HDMI Adapter, USB-C to DisplayPort Adapter, or USB-C to VGA Adapter), check your connection. Remove the adapter and reinsert it firmly to make sure it’s connected to your Surface.

Note

Avoid using a “Y” or “dual-link” adapter that splits the signal between two or more monitors.

If you’re using a Mini DisplayPort adapter, make sure the adapter is plugged in correctly. The adapter will only work when the connector is plugged in with the flat side of the connector aligned with the flat side of the Mini DisplayPort.

Here’s what a Mini DisplayPort looks like. It might be located in a different place on your Surface or docking station.

If your monitor doesn’t support DisplayPort, we recommend using HDMI. Otherwise, use DVI or VGA. The adapters listed below have been tested for compatibility and can help solve video issues.

When you connect your Surface to a TV or monitor, your Surface tries to set the best resolution based on the connector and the resolution of your TV or monitor. Sometimes you can change settings to improve video quality:

The resolution and refresh rate supported for the external display depends on how many displays are connected and whether the display on your Surface is on or off. It also depends on which processor you have.

For one external display, here’s the supported resolution and refresh rate:

These monitors have connection issues with Surface and Surface Dock. We’re working with the manufacturers to resolve these issues and will update this page when we have more information. If you’re using a monitor that isn’t listed here but you are having a problem, try the solutions that follow this table.

We’re always working to add to the list of monitors that we know are compatible with Surface and Surface Dock. The following DisplayPort-capable monitors have been tested for compatibility with Surface and Surface Dock.

You can fix some DisplayPort video issues by disabling “MST mode” or “DP1.2 mode” on your monitor. Refer to the owner’s manual that came with your monitor to learn how. Disabling “MST mode” or “DP1.2 mode” on your monitor will cause display daisy-chaining to stop working. If you’re using more than one monitor, we recommend that you connect both monitors directly to your Surface Dock, one to each Mini DisplayPort on your dock.

This list was based on our internal use of the monitors and adapters with Surface Pro and the Surface Dock on August 28, 2018. Any firmware changes made by monitor and adapter manufacturers at a later date may cause new issues unknown today.

This list is provided to you for reference and informational purposes only, and in no way is Microsoft providing any guarantees or warranty that any of the mentioned monitors or adapters will function properly with your Surface device, nor is Microsoft advocating the use of any of the mentioned monitors or adapters in any manner.

This list should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided. Microsoft makes no warranties, express, implied or statutory, as to the information on this page. You agree to use this list at your own risk and agree that this list does not override, add to, or change the warranty terms that come with your Surface device. If you cannot agree to these terms, do not use this list.

If you find that your monitor is compatible, but still need help, try Solution 8.

To see if your video adapter is working, connect your Surface to a different TV, monitor, or projector. If you can’t get what’s on your Surface display to show on a different external screen, you may need to replace the adapter.

All models of Surface Studio, Surface Book, Surface Go, Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, and Surface 3 can wirelessly connect to compatible displays by using Miracast. You can also wirelessly connect your Surface to an HDMI-compatible display by using the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter.

To wirelessly connect your Surface to a display without using the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter, the display must be compatible with Miracast. Visit the manufacturer's website to see if your TV, monitor, or projector supports Miracast.

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve the issue. On your Surface, select the Start button and then select Power > Update and restart. Turn the TV or other display off and on, then try connecting them again.